Contributed by Anne Fricke, mom to Freya, living with PWS

Freya’s 6th grade class started the year studying volcanoes. Part of the learning experience was to travel to Lassen Volcanic National Park for a 5-day camping trip with arduous hikes and days full of activity. To say I had concerns is an understatement, but she was determined, and I would be with her the whole way.

The first hike of our trip was to the top of Mount Lassen, a 10,457-foot volcano. The hike was a 2 1/2 mile switchback to the top with about a 2,000-foot elevation gain.

Freya and I walked mostly on our own. We would catch up with a different crew at times, surpassing them and being surpassed, but most of the class made it to the top within an hour and a half. We took necessary breaks, where I pushed water and encouraged her to wait for a few more switchbacks before having another snack. We reminded each other to breathe through our noses and just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Two and a half hours after stepping onto the trail, Freya walked up to the summit to the cheers and hugs of her classmates! If I hadn’t been so exhausted, I would have cried. We checked out the view, ate lunch, and hung out with her class atop a volcano. That was Tuesday.

Wednesday, we took another couple-mile hike into the geothermal area of the park. Thursday, Freya climbed up and down into a 700-foot volcano called Cinder Cone. The path is like walking on sand…two steps forward, slide one step back. She went up without me, supported by the other chaperones, while I sat back with the few students too tired to climb this one. Friday, we hiked through the tunnels of Shasta Caverns. I’m only listing the main hikes we did. There were several smaller side hikes to various places, all of which Freya participated in.

Back at school, the principal stopped me in the hallway to share her excitement for Freya’s achievement. She asked how Freya had reacted when she reached the top of the volcano. I had an inspiring realization as I told her about Freya’s reaction. Freya was thrilled and excited to make it up Mount Lassen. But she wasn’t surprised. She had never doubted that she would make it to the top.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We want to hear YOUR Spotlight on Hope!

Any and all milestones, from taking first steps to hiking to the top of a volcano, deserve to be celebrated. Click the button below and fill out our online form to share your loved one's milestones and what you're grateful for as we head into the giving season.